You know content marketing is important. You’ve seen businesses in Hastings, Brighton, and across East Sussex using blogs, videos, and social media to attract customers. But how much does it actually cost? And more importantly—how much should you be paying?

For a small business, every pound counts. So, let’s break down the real costs of content marketing in our area, what drives those prices up (or down), and how you can get the best value for your investment.

 Written by Indiana Hamilton-Brown: Managing Director of A&I Media
 Years of relevant experience: Twelve
 Published on:  13/02/2025

The Real Cost of Content Marketing in East Sussex

1. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: The Cost of Your Time

Many small business owners try to do their own content marketing, thinking it will save money. And technically, it’s “free.”

🚨 But here’s the catch: creating good content takes time.

Let’s say you run a small café in Hastings or an independent shop in Lewes. Writing blogs, filming Instagram Reels, and scheduling social media posts could take 10+ hours a week. If your hourly rate as a business owner is £40/hour, that’s £400 worth of time every week. Over a year? That’s over £20,000 worth of time spent on marketing instead of running your business.

That’s why many local businesses—from boutique hotels in Rye to creative studios in Brighton—outsource their content creation.

2. Content Type & Costs in Hastings & East Sussex

The cost of content marketing depends on the type of content you need. Here’s what businesses in our area typically pay:

• Blog posts: £100–£500 per post (varies based on length and research required).

• Videos: £500–£5,000+ per video (short social clips vs. full-scale productions).

• Social media posts: £50–£300 per post (depending on strategy and design).

💡 Example: A boutique B&B in Rye might pay £1,500 for a promotional video, while a Hastings café may invest £500/month in social media content to drive local foot traffic.

3. Strategy, Distribution & Promotion

Creating content is just one part of the equation—you also need to make sure people see it.

• SEO & Blog Promotion: £500–£2,000/month for keyword research, blog writing, and Google ranking strategies.

• Paid Ads: Google and social media ads cost anywhere from £200–£2,000 per month, depending on audience size.

• Email Marketing: £300–£1,500/month for newsletters and automation.

💡 Example: A Hastings-based charity might invest £800/month in content strategy and SEO to drive donations and volunteer sign-ups.

So, What’s the Next Step?

If you’re a small business in Hastings or East Sussex, here’s how to move forward without overpaying:

1️⃣ Decide what content you need. Do you need blogs, videos, social media posts, or all three?

2️⃣ Compare DIY vs. outsourcing. If content creation takes you 10+ hours per week, outsourcing could save you time and money.

3️⃣ Work with a cost-effective agency. Instead of hiring a full-time marketer or an expensive agency, consider an affordable alternative like A&I Media.

Final Thoughts

Content marketing is an investment, but it doesn’t have to drain your budget. By knowing what you actually need and working with the right people, you can get high-quality content without overpaying.

If you’re looking for content marketing that fits your budget and actually works, let’s chat!

👉 Book a Content Consultation with A&I Media

Join the Conversation!

How much do you spend on content marketing? Have you found Hastings or Brighton-based agencies to be affordable, or do you feel priced out?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 👇